Neuropilin-1 aggravates liver cirrhosis by promoting angiogenesis via VEGFR2-dependent PI3K/Akt pathway in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We have revealed that neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) promoted hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis through its profibrogenic signalling pathways. However, the role of NRP-1 in angiogenesis in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs) during liver cirrhosis remains unclear.

Methods

The correlation between NRP-1 expression and angiogenesis was evaluated in both human and murine cirrhotic liver tissues by immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blotting. In addition, the role and mechanism of NRP-1 in regulating VEGFR2-dependent angiogenesis was identified in endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro. Moreover, liver histocultures were used to test the therapeutic effect of NRP-1 blocking in liver fibrosis.

Findings

Higher expressi

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6558257 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature